ASSESSMENT OF SAND FLIES (DIPTERA: PSYCHODIDAE) DIVERSITY, SEASONAL ABUNDANCE AND LEISHAMNIASIS RISK FACTORS IN DISTRICTS DIR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to determined sand flies species composition,
diversity, seasonal variations, spatial distribution and leishmaniasis associated risk
factors in Dir districts. The fieldwork was carried out in 40 villages from January to
December, 2014 in Timergara, Balambat, Khall and Warae. A total of 7292 sand flies
comprising 20 species of two genera; Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia were recorded
through sticky traps, insecticide spray and mouth aspiration. Phlebotomus was
presented by nine species while Sergentomyia was shown by eleven species. Peak
number (6229) of flies were collected through sticky traps followed by insecticide
spray (978) and mouth aspirator (85). Overall, male to female ratio was 3:1.
A total of 15 species were recorded in Tehsil Timergara; 13(Balambat); 10 (Khall);
and 7 (Warae). Diversity of sand flies was high in Timergara followed by Balambat,
Khall and Warae. P. salengensis was the most abundant species and was collected
from three Tehsils (Timergara, Balambat and Khall) followed by P. sergenti.
Similarity of species was high between Khall and Timergara as well as in Balambat
and Warae. P. sergenti, S. babu, S. baghdadis, S. dentata and S. hospittii were
reported from four tehsils. The remaining fifteen (15) species showed restricted
distribution to one, two or three tehsils. P. salengensis, P. hindustanicus, P. andrejevi,
P. kazeroni, P. bergeroti, P. ansari, S. turkistanica and S. grekovi were reported for
the first time from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Among them P. ansari was recorded for this
first time from Pakistan. A total of 88 specimens were not identified up to species
level.